Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said contesting Nigeria’s presidency in 2027 is not a decision to be taken lightly, as he reacted to calls by youth groups urging him to return to the race.
Jonathan stated this on Thursday while receiving youth groups at his office in Abuja, where they appealed to him to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Responding, the former president said leadership requires careful consideration and broad consultations before any decision could be made.
“You are asking me to come and contest the next election. Presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you and I’ll consult widely,” he said.
He commended the youths for showing concern about the country’s future, describing patriotism as vital to national development.
“If you have no interest in the country, you will not bother to be here,” Jonathan added.
The former president also urged young Nigerians to promote peace and credible elections, warning that flawed electoral processes discourage competent citizens from participating in politics.
“The key thing we need in this country is peace. You continue to advocate for that. And you continue to advocate for peaceful and credible elections in the country. Because if we don’t have peaceful and credible elections, most good citizens will not want to get involved in politics,” he said.
Jonathan expressed concern over Nigeria’s low voter turnout, noting that the country records one of the poorest participation rates during elections despite its large voting population.
“I’ve observed elections in about 14 African countries and even Southeast Asia. Nigeria has the lowest turnout in every election cycle.
“I think INEC needs to do something about it. They need to start to get consultants to look at it and identify the causes. As young people, you must be involved in the electoral process,” he stated.
He challenged the youths to actively participate in elections by obtaining voter cards and voting.
“If I ask how many of you have your voter’s card now, probably 50 per cent of you don’t have your voter’s card. And you’re asking me to go and contest the election. So you must participate in the electoral process,” he said.
Jonathan also lamented the negative perception of Nigerians abroad, attributing it partly to leadership failures over the years.
“The highest level of disdain shown to Nigerian youths abroad has to stop,” he said.
The former president, however, maintained that he would continue consultations before making any decision on the 2027 presidential election
“I will consult. I cannot just wake up and say I want to be the president of Nigeria again. But I am telling you that I will consult,” Jonathan stated.
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